Die Geschichte der Uhr

Two of the world's leading experts in watch collecting present the development of timepieces in this representative and informative selection of 100 watches, showcasing the most unusual, significant, and beautiful timepieces from the past 500 years. For centuries, people have been fascinated by watches—whether due to their technical precision, unique design, or historical significance. Each of the 100 watches featured in this book is distinguished by one or more of these attributes.

The watches are presented chronologically across generous double pages, accompanied by exquisite photographs and engaging, concise texts. Examples of the earliest forms of watches include an astonishing timepiece from the Elizabethan era with an astrolabe dial and an emerald-encrusted jewel from the early 17th century. The book also features two of the first watches with a balance spring—a feature that revolutionized portable timekeeping—as well as some of the earliest repeater watches and perpetual calendar watches.

Following these are the first lever watch invented by Thomas Mudge, important precision watches, as well as enamel and automatic watches from the early 19th century. Other masterpieces of horology include the highly complex watches by Breguet and Patek Philippe, Sir Winston Churchill's yellow gold World Time Victory watch, a Rolex wristwatch made for India's Republic Day, an Omega Speedmaster that flew to space, and a Roger Smith wristwatch completed in 2023.

With outstanding photography, this representative book will captivate discerning collectors, amateur watch enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the art and science of watchmaking.